Article IX. Child Custody or Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Proceedings · Part B. Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Proceedings Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act and the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984 · Last amended 2016 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 921 states that Rules 921 through 924 add requirements for allocation-of-parental-responsibilities cases filed under the Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act and the Parentage Act, layered on top of the general Part A rules.
Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 921
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In addition to the rules in Part A of this article, the rules in this Part B shall apply to allocation
of parental responsibilities proceedings filed under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, and the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 921 marks the start of Part B, the block of rules built specifically for custody disputes that arise inside a divorce or parentage case. It applies whenever a party files for allocation of parental responsibilities under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act or the Illinois Parentage Act.
These Part B rules — covering time limits, case management conferences, and parenting education — don’t replace the general Part A rules in Rules 900 through 909. They add to them. A divorce or parentage case involving children has to satisfy both sets of requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cases does Part B of the child custody rules cover?
Allocation-of-parental-responsibilities disputes filed under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act or the Illinois Parentage Act — in plain terms, custody issues arising in divorce and paternity cases.
Do the Part A rules still apply to my divorce custody case?
Yes. Part B’s rules add to Part A’s general requirements; they don’t replace them.
What rules make up Part B?
Rules 921 through 924, covering general provisions, time limits, case management conferences, and the parenting-education requirement.
Does Part B apply to a juvenile abuse or neglect case?
No. Those cases fall under Part C, Rules 941 through 943, which cover proceedings under the Juvenile Court Act.
Why does it matter whether Part B or Part C applies?
They govern different kinds of cases with different procedures — Part B for divorce and parentage disputes, Part C for juvenile court proceedings — so knowing which applies affects your deadlines and requirements.
Committee Comments
(Revised March 8, 2016)
Special Supreme Court Committee on Child Custody Issues Rule 921 establishes the scope of Part B, which includes Rules 921 through 924. Rules 925 through 940 are Reserved. Rules 921 through 924 apply to allocation of parental responsibilities proceedings filed under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, and the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984. The requirements of Rules 921 through 924 are in addition to the requirements of Part A found in Rules 900 through 908 as applicable.
Amendment History
Adopted February 10, 2006, effective July 1, 2006; amended Mar. 8, 2016, eff. immediately.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules,
promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:divorce custody rules Illinoisparentage act custody rulesallocation of parental responsibilities rulespart b child custody rules Illinois